Public Health Department
Animal Bites and Rabies
All animal bites and exposures to bats should be reported to the Health Department. Health care providers should fill out the Bite Report Form and fax it to us at (734) 544-6706.
The Health Department is available to consult regarding the need for post-exposure prophylaxis for humans. We also coordinate testing for rabies on animals. Please call us at (734) 544-6700 during business hours or (734) 891-4327 after hours/weekends. The Health Department needs to approve any animal specimen for rabies testing. There will be a $15 handling fee for each approved specimen.
Contact Person:
Jayne Worthy-Howlett, RN
(734) 544-6883
Animals Positive for Rabies in Washtenaw County
|
Year |
Total |
Animal type |
|
2004 |
2 |
Bat (2) |
|
2005 |
3 |
Bat (2), Skunk (1) |
|
2006 |
4 |
Bat (3), Horse (1) |
|
2007 |
11 |
Bat (11) |
|
2008 |
2 |
Bat (2) |
|
2009 |
0 |
|
|
2010 |
2 |
Bat (2) |
| 2011 |
6 |
Bat (3), Skunk (3) |
| 2012 |
4 |
Skunk (4) |
Rabies maps
- Map of positive rabid animals in Washtenaw County 2003 - 2012
- Map of positive rabid animals in Ann Arbor area 2007 - 2012
How can I safely capture a bat in my home?
If a bat is present in your home and you or your pet had contact with it (or a person was sleeping in a room with the bat), leave the bat alone and contact an animal-control or public health agency for assistance. If professional help is unavailable, use precautions to capture the bat safely, as described below.
What you will need:
- leather work gloves (put them on)
- small box or coffee can
- piece of cardboard
- tape
When the bat lands, approach it slowly, while wearing the gloves, and place the box or coffee can over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container securely, and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to breathe. If the bat is dead, put it carefully in a ziplock bag and put it on ice until it can be sent in for testing.
Contact Washtenaw County Public Health Department at (734) 544-6700 for advice regarding sending the bat for testing.
Related Links:
- Rabies Fact Sheet
- Take caution when bats are near. Information from the CDC
- Rabies information from Michigan Department of Community Health
- Rabies information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Page updated 5/10/12
